The Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has added a second full-time peace officer to its staff.

Kimberly Tully, 30, the wife of Matthew Tully, the county SPCA’s chief humane law enforcement officer, graduated last week from the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Academy. She became the organization’s first female officer after completing 240 hours of law, investigation and firearms training to fulfill state Division of Criminal Justice requirements.

“I completed this training so I could be the voice for the animals that aren’t fortunate enough to have one,” said Tully, who will carry a gun, badge and handcuffs for her volunteer position. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be the first certified female humane law enforcement officer in Schenectady County.”

Funded solely through donations, the Schenectady County SPCA is a nonprofit law enforcement organization that works to “prevent, detect and arrest persons engaging in animal cruelty or neglect.” Its investigators primarily conduct criminal investigations, execute search warrants and make arrests for misdemeanor and felony violations of animal cruelty laws.

Tully, a stay-at-home mother and former special education teacher, said she has wanted to be an SPCA volunteer since working with rescue dogs in New York City after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

“I saw all the hard work the men, women and animals were doing,” she said. “I had always had an interest in animals, but I was going through a master’s program at the time. Now I have the time to volunteer.”

Tully said the SPCA plans a fundraiser for June 29 to help raise money for a squad car. A motorcycle run called “Ride For Paws” will begin at 1 p.m. at the Sawmill Tavern in Schenectady. The ride will end back at the tavern with a barbecue, music and a raffle.